Tons of Fishing
Web Directories And resources!

Striped bass were once found mainly on the East Coast. Around 1976, they were introduced into Elephant Butte Reservoir as 3-inch-long fingerlings. A decade later, many had reached weights of 40 pounds or more, and by 1992 stripers in excess of 50 pounds were being taken from the lake. Today, pursuit of these hefty, hard-fighting fish has become one of the most popular activities here among anglers of all ages.

Catching striped bass isn't especially difficult for properly equipped anglers. Stripers usually feed on threadfin shad in deep water away from shore, so a boat is an absolute necessity (boats with outboards can be rented at the lake). Fishing rods, reels, and monofilament lines should be suited for medium to heavy action. As lures, most anglers use 3/4-ounce white "horsehead" bucktail jigs (sold at local tackle shops), trolling them slowly about 25 feet deep.

The Narrows, at the midsection of the lake, produces the most stripers in winter. Locals say the most productive time of day is between 7 and 11 . If you don't own a boat, go fishing with a guide who will furnish the boat, tackle, lures, and know-how. Among the several guides at the lake are Buddy's Guide Service, (505) 894-6156; Butte Fishing Guide Service, 744-5944; and Desert Bass Fishing Guide Services, 744-5314.

For up-to-date fishing information, call The Pro Shop at 744-5767 or Butte General Store at 744-5427.

The New Mexico striper limit is two fish per day, with no restrictions as to size or weight. A current state fishing license is needed ($ resident, $41 nonresident, good for one year). Campgrounds and motels are at the lake and in nearby Truth or Consequences.